An attraction well worth seeing if you are ever in the St. Louis area is the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is also a National Historic Landmark!

Our friend Mary, who is an avid gardener took my mother and me there when we visited her fair city in October of 1998.

The garden was developed by Mr. Henry Shaw who originally came to St. Louis in 1819. Originally an Englishman, he loved the gardens that he knew in Chatsworth and also at Kew and was inspired by them.

He was able to retire at the age of 40 after having made a great amount of money in outfitting settlers with necessities prior to their trek out West.

He opened his garden to the public in 1859, and to this day, it is utilized for research and education as well as a glorious place to leisurely spend time wandering among the collection of diverse plantings.

Mr. Shaw generously donated his home and garden to the City of St. Louis and everyone is now able to enjoy the fruits of his love and labor.

When first entering the garden one's attention is drawn to viewing a long rectangular reflection pool of water filled with water lilies. It is also the perfect display site for many sculptures. Numerous additional sculptures are discovered as one walks throughout the spacious grounds.

Many different types of lilies are seen anchored in this water. Many were in bloom.

One large type of water lily has a diameter of 4 to 6 feet across! You can see this in one of the photos that I took.

At one end of this reflection pool is the entrance from which one enters the garden. Opposite it, is the Climatron Conservatory which was one of the first geodesic domed conservatories built in the United States.

Inside this domed structure is a tropical forest complete with flowing water and even a waterfall. Numerous plants that thrive in this warm and humid environment are to be seen and enjoyed. Blooming orchids and bromeliads punctuate the masses of lush green and speckled tropical plants of every type description.

Mixed among this collection is a surprising collection of brightly colored birds that call this environment their home.

Butterflies complete this snapshot of what might be found in nature.

Inside what is called the Temperate House is a garden featuring plants that grow in warm and dry regions.

Moorish in design, orange, blue and white tiles were utilized to form an eye pleasing pattern of creation around a central fountain.

Blooming begonias in pots add color to the other lush surroundings.

Our friend and guide, Mary, is seen looking through the doorway into this portion of the temperate garden.

It was a bright and sunny day.

Henry Shaw enjoyed residing in his "country" home surrounded by his gardens. Called the Tower Grove House, it is furnished with Victorian furniture authentic to the time.

The house is open for tours.

He so loved this spot on earth that he made provisions for it to be his final resting spot.

A mausoleum was constructed with glass windows and the sculpture sitting atop his coffin makes it look as if Henry is comfortably looking outside at his beloved garden. Mr. Shaw died in 1889.

The Japanese Garden consists of 14 acres including a 4 1/2 acre lake.

Among other things to be found here...

Wooden walkways and other paths

Traditional plants

Waterfalls

Bridges

Koi also known as carp

Ducks

It is a peaceful and serene place within the botanical garden in which to spend time.

There were many different areas in which one could spend time within this garden.

There is even a tram that can be taken through parts of these recreational grounds.

A Maze has been created where one can wander through the designed and trimmed hedges.

There is the English Woodland Garden. Imagine walking on shaded paths beneath tall and medium sized trees with a babbling brook accompanying one. Wildflowers and other shade loving plants are dispersed throughout this natural setting.

There is the Chinese Garden. Just like one would expect to see, the bridge, moon gate, pavilion, rocks and water do not disappoint one's expectations.

The Lehmann Rose Garden consists of a profusion of colorful beauties showing every color and hue imaginable. It is actually an award-winning test garden.

Sculptures are interwoven throughout the Missouri Botanical Garden. They add interest to the natural features of this impressive garden.

We spent many hours there and could not begin to see it all. The total area to be seen consists of 79 acres!

If you like gardening and enjoy visiting different ones as you travel, my suggestion would be to allow an entire day (or even more time) to see all of this historic one in St. Louis.  Having the status of a National Historic Landmark...the Missouri Botanical Garden is well worth all the time you can spare to stroll through the magnificent grounds absorbing some of the well planned beauty that excites all the senses.